Joint for above ground pool frame

ABSTRACT

A frame pool is disclosed including a frame assembly and a pool liner, the frame assembly including horizontal frame members and a vertical frame member coupled together via a T-shaped joint. The T-shaped joint may be constructed of plastic to facilitate attachment and detachment to the adjacent frame members and to resist galling and corrosion. The T-shaped joint may also be relatively small to improve the appearance and water containment of the frame pool.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to the following Chinese patentapplications, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporatedby reference herein in their entirety:

Application No. Filing Date CN 201620598406.9 Jun. 17, 2016 CN201630270359.0 Jun. 22, 2016 CN 201621039473.3 Sep. 6, 2016

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an above ground pool. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a joint for an aboveground pool, and to a method for using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A frame pool may include a frame assembly and a pool liner supported bythe frame assembly to form a water cavity of the pool. The frameassembly may include one or more horizontal frame members (e.g.,horizontal pipes) that form an upper rim of the pool and one or morevertical frame members (e.g., vertical pipes) that extend downward fromthe horizontal frame members to the ground. To allow the frame assemblyto be disassembled for storage and assembled for use, the horizontalframe members and the vertical frame members may be removably coupledtogether via a plurality of T-shaped joints. Existing T-shaped jointsare formed of metal, which may be susceptible to galling and corrosion,especially as any protective coating on the metal becomes worn ordamaged. Also, existing T-shaped joints are relatively wide, so existingpool liners may require wide holes or gaps to accommodate such T-shapedjoints, which may impact the pool's appearance and ability to containwater.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a frame pool including a frame assemblyand a pool liner, the frame assembly including horizontal frame membersand a vertical frame member coupled together via a T-shaped joint. TheT-shaped joint may be constructed of plastic to facilitate attachmentand detachment to the adjacent frame members and to resist galling andcorrosion. The T-shaped joint may also be relatively small to improvethe appearance and water containment of the frame pool.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a frame joint isdisclosed for an above ground pool frame having a first horizontal framemember, a second horizontal frame member, and a vertical frame member.The frame joint includes: a first horizontal joint portion including afirst coupling assembly configured to couple with the first horizontalframe member; a second horizontal joint portion including a secondcoupling assembly configured to couple with the second horizontal framemember; and a vertical joint portion fixedly coupled to the first andsecond horizontal joint portions and configured to couple with thevertical frame member; wherein a width of the vertical joint portionaccounts for at least 50% of a width between the first and secondcoupling assemblies of the first and second horizontal joint portions.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a frame jointis disclosed for an above ground pool frame having a first horizontalframe member, a second horizontal frame member, and a vertical framemember. The frame joint includes: a first horizontal joint portionconfigured to couple with the first horizontal frame member, the firsthorizontal joint portion being constructed of plastic; a secondhorizontal joint portion configured to couple with the second horizontalframe member, the second horizontal joint portion being constructed ofplastic; and a vertical joint portion fixedly coupled to the first andsecond horizontal joint portions and configured to couple with thevertical frame member, the vertical joint portion being constructed ofplastic.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a methodis disclosed for assembling an above ground pool. The method includes:coupling a first horizontal joint portion of a frame joint to a firsthorizontal frame member with a first coupling assembly; coupling asecond horizontal joint portion of the frame joint to a secondhorizontal frame member with a second coupling assembly; and coupling avertical joint portion of the frame joint to a vertical frame member,wherein a width of the vertical joint portion accounts for a majority ofa width between the first and second coupling assemblies of the firstand second horizontal joint portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of thisdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand will be better understood by reference to the following descriptionof embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a frame pool including a frameassembly and a pool liner, the frame assembly including horizontal framemembers and a vertical frame member coupled together via an exemplaryT-shaped joint of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the T-shaped joint of FIG. 1 ;and

FIG. 4 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the T-shaped joint ofFIG. 3 .

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A portion of an exemplary frame pool 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Theillustrative portion of the frame pool 100 includes two adjacenthorizontal frame members 6 (e.g., horizontal pipes) that cooperate toform an upper rim of the frame pool 100 and a vertical frame member 7(e.g., vertical pipe) that extends downward from the horizontal framemembers 6 to support the frame pool 100 on the ground. Although notshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , similar frame members 6 and 7 may be providedaround the remaining perimeter of the frame pool 100. The frame pool 100may vary in size and shape. For example, the frame pool 100 may berectangular, circular, elliptical, or other suitable shapes.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a T-shaped joint 10 may be used toremovably couple the two adjacent horizontal frame members 6 to theadjacent vertical frame member 7. Although a single T-shaped joint 10 isshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , similar T-shaped joints 10 may be providedaround the remaining perimeter of the frame pool 100. Each T-shapedjoint 10 illustratively includes two horizontal joint portions 1configured to couple to the horizontal frame members 6 and a verticaljoint portion 2 configured to couple to the vertical frame member 7. Toform the T-shape, the vertical joint portion 2 is centered between andperpendicular to the two horizontal joint portions 1. The orientation ofthe horizontal joint portions 1 determines the orientation of theadjacent horizontal frame members 6. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1 , for example, the horizontal joint portions 1 define an obtuseangle α therebetween, so the horizontal frame members 6 define the sameangle α therebetween. In another embodiment, the horizontal jointportions 1 may be collinear with each other, so the horizontal framemembers 6 would also be collinear with each other. In anotherembodiment, the horizontal joint portions 1 may be perpendicular to eachother, so the horizontal frame members 6 would also be perpendicular toeach other, such as along a corner of a rectangular frame pool 100.

Some or all components of the frame assembly, including the horizontalframe members 6, the vertical frame members 7, and/or the T-shapedjoints 10, may be constructed of a polymer, specifically plastic, suchas by injection molding. Compared to metallic components, the plasticcomponents may be smooth and elastic to facilitate assembly anddisassembly of the frame assembly. Also, the plastic components may bemore resistant to galling and corrosion to promote extended use. Withrespect to the T-shaped joint 10, in particular, the horizontal jointportions 1 and the vertical joint portion 2 may be integrally formed asa single piece of plastic. Alternatively, the horizontal joint portions1 and the vertical joint portion 2 may be formed as multiple pieces ofplastic and then fixedly coupled (e.g., adhered, welded) together. Theupper end of the T-shaped joint 10 may include a raised rim 22 (FIG. 3 )to give the appearance that the vertical joint portion 2 wraps aroundthe horizontal joint portions 1.

The illustrative frame pool 100 of FIG. 1 also includes a pool liner 8supported by the frame members 6 and 7 to form an interior water cavityfor swimming and/or bathing. The pool liner 8 may be wrapped and securedaround the horizontal frame member 6 to form a loop or fold 81. The fold81 of the pool liner 8 may also define a gap or hole 82 to expose theT-shaped joint 10, as described further below.

The illustrative T-shaped joint 10 is described in more detail withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .

The horizontal joint portions 1 of the illustrative T-shaped joint 10are configured to couple with the adjacent horizontal frame members 6(FIG. 2 ). The horizontal joint portions 1 may be configured to fitwithin the adjacent horizontal frame members 6 in a sleeved manner.Thus, the external cross-section of the horizontal joint portions 1 maymatch the internal cross-section of the horizontal frame members 6. Inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the external cross-section of thehorizontal joint portions 1 is generally triangular with rounded edgesto resist rotation between the horizontal joint portions 1 and thehorizontal frame members 6. It is also within the scope of the presentdisclosure for the external cross-section to be circular, rectangular,elliptical, or another suitable shape to match the internalcross-section of the horizontal frame members 6.

Each horizontal joint portion 1 of the T-shaped joint 10 includes acoupling assembly 3 for removable attachment to the adjacent horizontalframe member 6 (FIG. 2 ). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , each couplingassembly 3 includes a base 31 received in the horizontal joint portion1, a helical spring 32 held in place by the base 31, and a pin 33extending radially outward (e.g., downward) through a hole 35 in thehorizontal joint portion 1. Each horizontal joint portion 1 may includean internal horizontal reinforcing rib 11 and/or an internal horizontalsupport member 5 to help support base 31 within the T-shaped joint 10.In an assembled or locked state, spring 32 may bias pin 33 radiallyoutward through hole 35 to engage a corresponding recess or hole (notshown) of the horizontal frame member 6 (FIG. 2 ). In a disassembled orunlocked state, a user may press pin 33 radially inward to compressspring 32 and disengage the horizontal frame member 6 (FIG. 2 ).

The vertical joint portion 2 of the illustrative T-shaped joint 10 isconfigured to couple with the adjacent vertical frame member 7 (FIG. 2). The vertical joint portion 2 may be configured to fit within theadjacent vertical frame member 7 in a sleeved manner. Thus, the externalcross-section of the vertical joint portion 2 may match the internalcross-section of the vertical frame member 7. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 3 , the external cross-section of the vertical jointportion 2 is generally triangular with rounded edges to resist rotationbetween the vertical joint portion 2 and the vertical frame member 7. Itis also within the scope of the present disclosure for the externalcross-section to be circular, rectangular, elliptical, or anothersuitable shape to match the internal cross-section of the vertical framemember 7.

The vertical joint portion 2 of the T-shaped joint 10 includes acoupling assembly 4 for removable attachment to the adjacent verticalframe member 7 (FIG. 2 ). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , each couplingassembly 4 includes a base 41 received in the vertical joint portion 2,a helical spring 42 held in place by the base 41, and a pin 43 extendingradially outward (e.g., rearward) through a hole 45 in the verticaljoint portion 2. The vertical joint portion 2 may include one or moreinternal vertical reinforcing ribs 21 to help support base 41 within theT-shaped joint 10, such as by compressing fingers 46 of base 41 togetherwithin the T-shaped joint 10. In an assembled or locked state, spring 42may bias pin 43 radially outward through hole 45 to engage acorresponding recess or hole 71 of the vertical frame member 7 (FIG. 2). In a disassembled or unlocked state, a user may press pin 43 radiallyinward to compress spring 42 and disengage the hole 71 of the verticalframe member 7 (FIG. 2 ).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and asshown in FIG. 4 , the size of the T-shaped joint 10 may be minimizedsuch that the size of the corresponding hole 82 in the pool liner 8(shown in phantom) may also be minimized. The small hole 82 in the poolliner 8 may improve the appearance and water containment of the framepool 100 (FIG. 1 ) while still leaving the coupling assemblies 3 and 4,specifically the pins 33 and 43 of the coupling assemblies 3 and 4,accessible for subsequent disassembly.

The width of the T-shaped joint 10 may be minimized such that the widthof the corresponding hole 82 in the pool liner 8 may also be minimized.For example, the total width W_(J1) of the T-shaped joint 10 may beabout 5 inches to about 7 inches, specifically about 5¾ inches, thewidth W_(J2) between the pins 33 of the coupling assemblies 3 may beabout 3 inches to about 5 inches, specifically about 3 13/16 inches, andthe width W_(J3) of the vertical joint portion 2 may be about 1 inchesto about 3 inches, specifically about 2⅜ inches. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 4 , the width W_(L) of the hole 82 in the pool liner8 is greater than both the width W_(J3) of the vertical joint portion 2and the width W_(J2) between the pins 33 to expose the pins 33 of thecoupling assemblies 3 for subsequent disassembly while being less thanthe total width W_(J1) of the T-shaped joint 10. For example, the widthW_(L) of the hole 82 in the pool liner 8 is about 3 inches to about 7inches, specifically about 4½ inches.

To help minimize the size of the T-shaped joint 10, the pins 33 of thecoupling assemblies 3 may be positioned close to the vertical jointportion 2. Due to this close positioning, the width W_(J3) of thevertical joint portion 2 may account for a majority of the width W_(J2)between the pins 33 of the coupling assemblies 3. For example, the widthW_(J3) of the vertical joint portion 2 may account for 50%, 60%, 70%,80%, or more of the width W_(J2) between the pins 33 of the couplingassemblies 3. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 , in particular,the width W_(J3) of the vertical joint portion 2 accounts for about 70%of the width W_(J2) between the pins 33 of the coupling assemblies 3.The width W_(J3) of the vertical joint portion 2 may also account for asignificant portion of the total width W_(J1) of the T-shaped joint 10.For example, the width W_(J3) of the vertical joint portion 2 mayaccount for 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or more of the total width W_(J1) of theT-shaped joint 10. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 , inparticular, the width W_(J3) of the vertical joint portion 2 accountsfor about 50% of the of the total width W_(J1) of the T-shaped joint 10.

Additionally, the height of the T-shaped joint 10 may be minimized suchthat the height of the corresponding hole 82 in the pool liner 8 may beminimized. For example, the total height H_(J) of the T-shaped joint 10may be about 3 inches to about 5 inches, specifically about 3⅞ inches.Because the pin 43 of the coupling assembly 4 may be accessible in frontof the pool liner 8 and behind the T-shaped joint 10, the hole 82 in thepool liner 8 need not extend downward beneath the pin 43. Thus, in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 , the height H_(L) of the hole 82 inthe pool liner 8 is less than the total height H_(J) of the T-shapedjoint 10 while still allowing access to the pin 33 of the couplingassembly 3 and the pin 43 of the coupling assembly 4 for subsequentdisassembly.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A frame joint for an above ground pool framehaving a first horizontal frame member, a second horizontal framemember, and a vertical frame member, the frame joint comprising: a firsthorizontal joint portion including a first coupling assembly including apin configured engage a corresponding recess of the first horizontalframe member to couple with the first horizontal frame member; a secondhorizontal joint portion including a second coupling assembly includinga pin configured engage a corresponding recess of the second horizontalframe member to couple with the second horizontal frame member; avertical joint portion fixedly coupled to the first and secondhorizontal joint portions and configured to couple with the verticalframe member; and a liner positioned around the first and secondhorizontal frame members, the liner defining a hole that is sized toexpose the first and second coupling assemblies; wherein a width of thevertical joint portion accounts for at least 50% of a width between thepins of the first and second coupling assemblies of the first and secondhorizontal joint portions.
 2. The frame joint of claim 1, wherein thewidth of the vertical joint portion accounts for at least 40% of a totalwidth of the frame joint.
 3. The frame joint of claim 2, wherein thewidth of the vertical joint portion accounts for about 50% of the totalwidth of the frame joint.
 4. The frame joint of claim 1, wherein each ofthe first and second coupling assemblies further comprises a base and ahelical spring supported by the base, the pin of each of the first andsecond coupling assemblies being biased outward through a hole in therespective horizontal joint portion by the helical spring to engage thecorresponding recess of the respective horizontal frame member.
 5. Theframe joint of claim 1, wherein the width of the vertical joint portionaccounts for about 70% of the width between the pins of the first andsecond coupling assemblies.
 6. The frame joint of claim 1, wherein awidth of the frame joint exceeds a width of the hole in the liner. 7.The frame joint of claim 1, wherein a height of the frame joint exceedsa height of the hole in the liner.
 8. The frame joint of claim 1,wherein: the first horizontal joint portion is constructed of plastic;the second horizontal joint portion is constructed of plastic; and thevertical joint portion is being constructed of plastic.
 9. The framejoint of claim 1, wherein the vertical joint portion is centered betweenthe first and second horizontal joint portions to form a T-shaped framejoint.
 10. The frame joint of claim 1, wherein the first and secondhorizontal joint portions cooperate to form an obtuse angle.
 11. Theframe joint of claim 1, wherein the vertical joint portion is integrallyformed with the first and second horizontal joint portions as a singlepiece.
 12. A method of assembling an above ground pool the methodcomprising: coupling a first horizontal joint portion of a frame jointto a first horizontal frame member with a first coupling assemblyincluding a pin configured to engage a corresponding recess of the firsthorizontal frame member; coupling a second horizontal joint portion ofthe frame joint to a second horizontal frame member with a secondcoupling assembly including a pin configured to engage a correspondingrecess of the second horizontal frame member; coupling a vertical jointportion of the frame joint to a vertical frame member; and positioning aliner around the first and second horizontal frame members with a holeexposing the first and second coupling assemblies; wherein a width ofthe vertical joint portion accounts for a majority of a width betweenthe pins of the first and second coupling assemblies of the first andsecond horizontal joint portions.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein:an external cross-section of the first horizontal joint portion matchesan internal cross-section of the first horizontal frame member; anexternal cross-section of the second horizontal joint portion matches aninternal cross-section of the second horizontal frame member; and anexternal cross-section of the vertical joint portion matches an internalcross-section of the vertical frame member.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the first horizontal joint portion, the second horizontal jointportion, and the vertical joint portion are constructed of plastic. 15.The method of claim 12, wherein: coupling the first horizontal jointportion to the first horizontal frame member comprises depressing thepin of the first coupling assembly into the first horizontal jointportion and releasing the pin into engagement with the first horizontalframe member; and coupling the second horizontal joint portion to thesecond horizontal frame member comprises depressing the pin of thesecond coupling assembly into the second horizontal joint portion andreleasing the pin into engagement with the second horizontal framemember.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein a width of the hole in theliner exceeds a width between the first and second coupling assemblies.17. The method of claim 12, wherein the vertical joint portion of theframe joint is coupled to the vertical frame member with a thirdcoupling assembly, and wherein a height of the hole in the liner is lessthan a distance between the first and third coupling assemblies.
 18. Theframe joint of claim 1, wherein the vertical joint portion includes atleast one internal vertical reinforcing rib.
 19. The frame joint ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first horizontal joint portion andthe second horizontal joint portion includes an internal horizontalreinforcing rib.
 20. The frame joint of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first horizontal joint portion and the second horizontal jointportion includes an internal horizontal support member.
 21. A framejoint for an above ground pool frame having a first horizontal framemember, a second horizontal frame member, and a vertical frame member,the frame joint comprising: a first horizontal joint portion including afirst coupling assembly to couple with the first horizontal framemember; a second horizontal joint portion including a second couplingassembly to couple with the second horizontal frame member; a verticaljoint portion fixedly coupled to the first and second horizontal jointportions and configured to couple with the vertical frame member; and aliner positioned around the first and second horizontal frame members,the liner defining a hole that is sized to expose the first and secondcoupling assemblies; wherein a width of the vertical joint portionaccounts for at least 50% of a width between the first and secondcoupling assemblies of the first and second horizontal joint portions;and wherein the first horizontal joint portion comprises a firstexternal cross-section, the first external cross-section being generallytriangular.
 22. The frame joint of claim 21, wherein the first externalcross-section comprises rounded edges.
 23. A frame joint for an aboveground pool frame having a first horizontal frame member, a secondhorizontal frame member, and a vertical frame member, the frame jointcomprising: a first horizontal joint portion including a first couplingassembly to couple with the first horizontal frame member; a secondhorizontal joint portion including a second coupling assembly to couplewith the second horizontal frame member; a vertical joint portionfixedly coupled to the first and second horizontal joint portions andconfigured to couple with the vertical frame member; and a linerpositioned around the first and second horizontal frame members, theliner defining a hole that is sized to expose the first and secondcoupling assemblies; wherein a width of the vertical joint portionaccounts for at least 50% of a width between the first and secondcoupling assemblies of the first and second horizontal joint portions;and wherein the vertical joint portion comprises a second externalcross-section, the second external cross-section being generallytriangular.
 24. The frame joint of claim 23, wherein the second externalcross-section comprises rounded edges.
 25. The frame joint of claim 1,wherein the first and second coupling assemblies are accessible from anexterior side of the liner through the hole defined in the liner. 26.The frame joint of claim 1, wherein the first and second couplingassemblies are accessible from an exterior side of the liner through thehole defined in the liner and the first and second coupling assembliesare accessible from an interior side of the liner through the holedefined in the liner, the interior side of the liner being opposite theexterior side of the liner.
 27. The frame joint of claim 1, wherein thehole of the liner simultaneously exposes the first coupling assembly andthe second coupling assembly.
 28. The frame joint of claim 1, whereinthe hole of the liner exposes the first coupling assembly and the secondcoupling assembly in a resting position.
 29. The frame joint of claim 1,wherein the first coupling assembly and the second coupling assembly areactuatable from an exterior of the frame joint along a verticaldirection.